Image broadcasting system



March 3, 1936. w. ca. H. FINCH IMAGE BROADCASTING SYSTEM ori inal Filed March 26, 1934' 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR wwyza qtxfiinch i 1% TTORNEY 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Wtiam Jqfinch ATTORNEY March 3, 1936; w, 5,11, N H 2,032,558

IMAGE-BROADCASTING SYSTEM Original Filed March26, 1934 5 Sheets-sh t 3 mvmwon .Ma mlch ATTORN Y March 1936. w. G. H. FINCH 2,032,558

. IMAGE BROADCASTING SYSTEM ori inals-lied March 26, 1934" ,5 sh ets-shee 4 "II, VIII/lIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII;;;;;I

lifllllrllyllllllillmn Shiilil ulw! llllll m mlmhu llll INVENTOF? mgga gxpfihch ATTORNEY 39369 W. G. H. FINCH 2,032,558

IMAGE BROADCASTING SYSTEM Original Filed March 26, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR wiLPiam .Kfi'nch 65 ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 3, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Divided and this application December 19, 1934, Serial No. 758,210

12 Claims. (Cl. 178-11) My invention relates to novel apparatus for and methods of transmitting signals and more particularly relates to novel apparatus for and methods of visual broadcasting.

' In the transmission of facsimile signals it has heretofore been the practice to employ a cylindrical member on which the picture or object to be transmitted by facsimile was mounted. The cylinder was scanned by rotating the cylinder past a pointer and at the same time moving the cylinder with respect to the pointer in a longitudlnal direction by means of a worm mount- -ing. An electrical contactor mounted on a stylus was employed for detecting the light variations 1g of the image onthe cylinder.

The obvious defect of such a system was that it could transmitv only the image mounted on the cylinder and was not adapted for the continuous transmission of messages.

For the purpose of transmitting any relatively long messages by facsimile, it has been proposed to oscillate an arm carrying a stylus over a moving sheet on which the message which is to be transmitted by facsimile is recorded. In this type of arrangement no practical photoelectric cell arrangement which is operated in accordance with variations of the image for transmitting facsimile signals has heretofore been developed, nor has it been possible in the systems heretofore used 80 to employ the same system and apparatus for the transmission either of black and white pictures or half tones, as desired.

Moreover, the mechanisms proposed were complicated, requiring many parts which were heavy 86 and no practical construction has been suggested for facsimile transmission which would be adapt- ,able for mobile use, as on automobiles, airplanes, ships and the like.

I have invented a novel facsimile system and 40 simple synchronizing arrangement, requiring a transmitting receiving mechanism light in weight, inexpensive and easy to operate for the broadcasting of images, the apparatus being operated either by wire or by radio.

A need has especially arisen for mobile image broadcast receiver mounted on devices such as automobiles, busses, airplanes, and sea vessels, etc. Heretofore it has, been the practice to receive messages on such devices by telephone.

0 This had the defect of being costly, leaving no record of the receiptqof such message, and in .volving the human error in reception.

To overcome these defects, I have invented a mobile printer which makes a permanent record of the message received, is inexpensive and sufemploying the standard radio receiver now found ficiently light to be practical for mobile purposes. This forms the subject matter of my Patent 1,932,579, granted October 31, 1933 and my copending application 8. N. 695,740 filed October 31, 1933. 5

As a complement to the printer described in the patent and application referred to above, a receiver for the reception cf broadcast images is also required. Heretofore, it has been found necessary to provide heavy, complicated and costly equipment for such reception. This retarded its more general use and made its use for mobile Pu p ses practically out of question.

I have developed a receiver of broadcast images which is primarily inexpensive and light, so that it can be used as a mobile device for reception.

Accordingly, an object of my invention is to provide novel apparatus for and methods of transmitting and receiving pictures.

A further object of my invention is to provide novel methods of and apparatus for transmitting either black or white pictures, as desired.

Still a further object of my invention is to provide novel apparatus for and methods of synchronizing an image broadcasting system. 7

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel image broadcasting system which may be operated either by radio or by wire circuits.

Still a further object is to provide a novel mobile image broadcasting system adapted for use in automobiles, airplanes, ships and the like.

Still another object is to provide a simple, rugged image broadcasting receiver that may be operated directly from a. radio receiver.

A further object is to provide novel synchro- -35 nizlng means whereby the same signal channel is empoyed for the image and the synchronizing signals. 1

In the operation of facsimile systems heretofore, the rate at which words could be sent was so much lowerithari the rate of transmitting by telegraphy that the use of facsimile for such purposes has been impractical.

In one application of my system I contemplate broadcasting system. Connected in the output of the usual radio receiver, it would be possible with my novel image receiver and recorder to receive and record such mes. v

My invention contemplates that the owner of a radio receiver could, whenever he desires, switch the output of his receiver circuit to my image receiver for the reception of image or facsimile signals. Such a subscriber would, when he is about to turn on the radio at night, merely switch his circuit to the image recorder. During the night illustrated news bulletins, advertising, etc. would be transmitted and received on his radio receiver and in the morning would be available fully recorded.

In the present broadcast system, the programs are hampered by the inability to present a clear picture of the scene at the broadcasting studio,

television still being a thing of the future. In-

accordance with my invention, each broadcast program could be preceded by or interspersed with a vision broadcast to provide the "listener with some picture of the scene from which the broadcast occurs.

Accordingly an object of my invention is to provide novel apparatus for and methods of broadcasting images in conjunction with present audible programs.

A further object of my invention is to provide novel apparatus for and methods of broadcasting and receiving illustrated news bulletins on a regular sound radio receiver. I

Still a further object of my invention is to provide a novel image receiving apparatus having considerable flexibility and operable from a standard sound radio receiver.

There are other objects of my invention which. together with the foregoing, will appear in the detailed description which is to follow in connection with the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a right hand side elevation of the receiver;

Figure 2 is a'detailed view of synchronization mechanism;

Figure 3 is a left hand elevation of receiver; Figure 4 is stop view of receiver; Figure 5 is a detailed drawing of roller mechathe receiver;

Figure 7 is a detailed view of the receiving cam;

Figure 8 is a detailed view of the synchronous disc;

Figure 9 is the synchronous motor;

Figure 10 is'a side plan view of an which my novel receiver is mounted;

Figure 11 is a side elevation showing the details of mounting my receiver; and

Figure 12 is a cross section elevation taken at iii-42 of Fisure'll.

In my application, Serial No. 717,304 filed March 26, 1934 for Image broadcasting systems, issued as Patent No. 1,985,654, dated Dec. 25, 1934, of which this application is a division, I have shown a complete transmitter system with which the present receiver may be used- Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, I have shown the right hand side elevation of the eceiving unit employed in my system. This consists of a base 32 upon which are mounted a pair of uprights, one of which is shown at 53. 'A roll of paper l4, cos substance which is to be described is free to rotate around shaft #5.

between rollers i6 and H over 2: feed rollers is and 22. A

airplane in a section through the main shaft of assi ts synchronous motor 2|, similar to that described in detail in connection with the transmitter in the parent application, is provided with an armsture 22, which drives the worm 22, meshing with gear 24, which is secured to and drives shaft 25.

' Motor 2| is in mesh with worm gear 24 by means with shaft 28' is arm 29. A spring 28', one end of which engages the arm 29, the other end of which engages the standard 20, normally holds the cam follower 28 against cam 26, as shown in Figure 3, imparting to shaft 28' and to arm 29 an oscillatory motion synchronous with that of arm 28 at the transmitter; The arm 29 carries in its motion the stylus 30 which is pivoted at 3| for a second rocking movement to and from the place of the paper l4.

At one end of the stylus 30-, a suitable marker 32 is fastened into retainer 34 while at the other end an iron segment 35 passes-between the poles of a polarized magnet 38 whose winding is shown at 31 and 31. Figure 2 is a detailed view of the synchronization mechanism and it is shown in the position ng which the machine will assume when the transmitter ceases to function at the transmitting end. For the sake of simplicity, in Figure 2 the worm 23 and the worm gear 24 are not shown. Upon the same disc paper feed pins 43 are diametrically located so as to engage at every revolution an arm 44 which in turn feeds the paper out by means of connecting rod 45, rocker 48, pawl 41 and ratchet wheel 48. By referring to Figure 2,

it will be noted that as soon as the synchronize-- tion magnet 38 is energized, its pawl 39, pivoted at 39' will release pawl. 40 which in turn under control of spring 40' will move its tooth to engage a tooth of ratchet wheel 4| which, being fastened mechanism, synchronization disc 21 is not secured to shaft 25, but by means of a hollow shaft 4|, loosely mounted and revolving around shaft 25, is connected to cam 20, thereby arresting the motion of cam 26 whenthe receiver assumes the position shown in Figure 2.

In the same Figure 2, an insulating projection 2? is secured at the periphery of synchroniza- V tion disc 21, causing switch arm 43 to close either its right or left hand contact 54 and 58 respectively. In Figure 2 the right hand side contact 54 is closed and by referring to Figure 2 of the parent application it will be noted that the first impulse that will be received will be switched to magnet 38, thus releasing pawl 40 and causing stylus 30 to oscillate over the specially prepared paper. It is to be noted that one of the pins 43 toshaft 25, is revolving in the direction shown by -4 serves as the pivotal support for the pawl 40 on ner described in detail in connection with the transmitter.

As a result of pawl 4| being enmeshed by ratchet wheel ,the synchronization disc 21 will revolve in the direction indicated by the arrow,

and inasmuch as projection 21' will not be opposite switch arm 43', the latter will close its left hand contact-I5 deviating all incoming facsimile signals into magnets 31 and 31, as diagrammatically shown in Figure 1 of the parent application. It is now evident that facsimile signals received while the stylus arm II is sweeping over its arcuate path, are switched to act upon'magnets 31' and 31, and armature I! will cause the stylus to move up and down about pivot ll, bringing the marking point I! in contact with the specially treated paper passing over platen ll. Assuming the stylus is in a .position corresponding to the position. of the transmitter scanner, and the signals of the proper amplitude and timing, they will produce markings upon the specially treated paper at a corresponding portion thereon of a length equal to the image at that point, thus reproducing the original picture in the form of dashes closely together, which will form an image similar to the one transmitted. In Figure 3 I show the left hand elevation of the receiver where a clear understanding of the respective position of synchronous motor 2l worm 23 and worm gear 24 may be seen.

I have cut a portion of the worm gear 24 in order to show follower 2! bearing against cam 28.

In order to secure a-positive motion of the sensitized paper, the rollers II and Ill are posi-- tively drawn by pinions It and U, the latter being mounted in rotatable relation with the shaft 62 which carries ratchet wheel 48.

In Figure 4 I show a top viewoi the complete receiver. The stylus 30 is shown in a central position and the dotted lines indicate the maxi mum swing from side to side. It will be noted that this member is forked at one end II in order to accommodate armature II to which itls se- 1 cured by rivets 58 and II.

As the stylus arm 30 sweeps over the sensitized paper 32, armature 35 will oscillate between the pole pieces of the polarized magnet 38. Inasmuch as stylus arm 3| is also pivoted at II and is free to move in an upward and downward motion, it is evident that any signal received by said polarized magnet 36 will act upon stylus ll, forcing the marking point I! (Figure 1) to bear down on the sensitized paper. hus causing a marking similar in length to the one appearing in the film ll of the transmitter.

This sensitized paper may be wax covered, carboned, photographic light sensitive, chemically treated, or any other well known type, and I do not wish to be restricted by the type to be used.

when a record is made on carbon, waxed paper and the like, provision is made for rendering the record immediately visible. This I accomplish by the transparent glass window ll'placed in the receptacle, so that an observer can immediately see the record.

In order to simplify the operation of reading the sensitized paper under the various rollers, I have provided a knurled knob at I. which may be revolved by hand, thus causing any amount of paper to be drawn from the paper supply.

Figure 5 is a section taken at H on Figure 3., In this drawing I show the section through the uprights i3 and II supporting the platen ll over which the sensitized paper I4 is carried fortension springs," with the of the springs ll.

ward by rollers It and it, moved together by pinions II and I1.

Figurefiisacrossscctionthroughthemain shaft ll of the receiver. Upon this shaft the worm gear 24 and the ratchet wheel I are so- FigureBisadetailedviewoftherearoLthe synchronization disc 21 showing the switch actuating projection 21', securely fastened to it,

bymeans of screws l0 and located so that it projects beyond the periphery of the disc itself. Figure 9 is an assembly drawing of the single phase synchronous motor which I prefer to. use.

This motor consists of a coil ll mounted over a core ll substantially oi the design shown in this figure. A non-magnetic bridge I! is secured to the core II by means of screws 83 and forming at N a bearing for the motor shaft 8!.

While I show a simplified form of a syn chronous motor, it is understood that one employing a self-starting principle such as single phase motors employing shading coils may be used, provided they do maintain a constant synchronous speed if not over-loaded.

I In Figures 10 to 12 I have disclosed a method of moimtingmy vision recorder on an airplane.

In Figure 10 the receiving instrument II is mounted on the instrument board Ii of the airplane 02. As shown in Figure 11, an opening ll is provided in the instrument board ii in which the instrument I is set. Secured to the instrument board l-i by bolts through the compression springs I! which are riveted at one end to the casing is by rivets O8 and are mounted at its other end in the bearing caps 81.

At the rearoi' the instrument I have provided anchors II and It. 7 As shown in Figure 12 hand holds II are provided in-the casing II to enable the mounting of the springs ll. Tensionsprings I! are also provided for preventing upward movement. the tension springs 12 being mounted in the anchors l3 and H. A hand hold ll enables the mounting By this arrangement the shocks and jars to which the airplane is sub Jected are not transmitted to the instrument which in eifect fioats in position by reason of the several spring mountings.

' Although I have illustrated my invention as ,applied to the general transmission of vision,

I-also intend it for other uses to which it is pecially adapted.

It will be obvious from this that my invention maytakeseveralformsandldonotwishto bliillinitedexceptassetforthintheappended c s.

What is claimed is,

1. In a facsimile receiver, a polarized signal responsive magnet having a pair of opposed pole faces, a scanner mechanism pivoted in two planes at right angles to each other and having a magnetic portion which moves between said pole faces and is variably operated in accordance with signals energizing said signal responsive magnet to rock said scanner mechanism about one pivot, a source of motive power, a

other pivot, a synchronizing magnet and means controlled by. said synchronizing magnet for disconnecting the positive drive from said source of power and said scanner in the event the receiver is not in synchronism with the received signals.

2. In a facsimile receiver, a scanner, is source of motive power, a cam, a pawl and ratchet connection from said source of power to said cam, a cam follower and means controlled by said cam follower for oscillating said scanner and a signal responsive magnet having a pair of opposed pole faces between which said scanner extends and is variably operated in accordance with received picture signals as said scanner is oscillated to successive points of the image to be recorded.

3. In a facsimile receiver, a signal responsive magnet having a pair of opposed pole faces, a scanner mechanism pivoted in two planes at right angles to each other and having a mag netic portion which moves between said pole faces and is variably operated in accordance .with signals energizing said signal responsive magnet to rock said scanner mechanism about one pivot, a source of motive power, a earn, a pawl and ratchet connection-from said source of power to said cam, a cam follower and means controlled by said cam follower for oscillating said scanner mechanism about its other pivot.

4'. In a facsimile receiver, a signal responsive magnet having a pair of opposed pole faces, a scanner pivotally supported for movement in-one direction under control of said signal responsive magnet and pivotally supported for movement in a direction at right angles to the first direction, one end of said scanner moving between said pole faces, and means for oscillating said scanner on the second mentioned pivot.

5. In a facsimile receiver, a signal responsive magn t having a pair of opposed pole faces, a scanner pivotally supported for mcve- I ment in one direction under control of said signal responsive magnet and pivotall'y supported for movement in 'a direction at right angles to the first direction, one end of said scanner moving between said pole faces, means for oscillatingsaid scanner on the second mentioned pivot, and a source of motive power, said means including a positive drive from said source of power to said scanner. i

6. In a facsimile receiver, a signal responsive magnet having a pair of opposed pole faces, a scanner pivotally supported for movement in one direction under control of said signal responsive magnet and pivotally supported for movement in a direction at right angles to the first direction, one end of said scanner moving between said pole faces, a source of motive power and a positive drive from said source of power to said scanner for oscillating said scanner about its second mentioned pivot.

7. In a facsimile receiver, a signal responsive magnet having a pair of opposed pole faces, a scanner pivotally supported for movement in one direction under control of said signal responsive magnet and pivotaliy supported for movement in a' direction at right angles to the first direction, one end of said scanner moving between said pole faces, means for oscillating said scanner on the second mentioned pivot,- a source of motive power, said means including a pomtive drive from said source of power to said scanner and a record sheet in operative relation with said 8. In a facsimile receiver, a signal respcnsivl magnethaving a pair of opposed pole faces. a scanner pivotally supported for movement in one direction under control of said signal responsive magnet and pivotally supported for movement in a direction at right angles to the first direction, one end of said manner moving between said pole faces, means for oscillating said" scanner on the second mentioned pivot,-a source of motive power, said means including a positive drive from said source of power to said scanner, a record sheet in operative relation with said scanner and a feeder for said sheet.

9. In a to receiver, a signal responsive polarized magnet having a pair of opposed polo faces, a scanner pivotally supported'ior movement in one direction under control of said signal responsive magnet and pivotally supported for movement in a direction'at right angles to the first direction, one end of said scanner movlag between said pole faces, a source of motive power, a positive drive from said source of power to said scanner for oscillating said scanner about its second mentioned pivot, a record sheet in operative relation with said scanner and a feeder for said sheet.

10. In a facsimile receiver, a picture signal responsive magnet having a pair of opposed pole' faces, a scanner, one portionv of which extends between said pole faces, said scanner being pivotally supported for movement in one direction under control of said picture signal responsive magnet in accordance with received picture signals and being pivotally supported for movement in a direction at right angles to said first direction, asourceof motive, power, a positive drive from said source of power to said scanner for oscillating said scanner in said direction at right angles to said first direction, a synchronizing magnet, an electrical circuit for said magnets, a switch for connecting said synchronizing and picture signal responsive circuit to said picture "signal responsive magnet to receive picture signals, said switch operating periodically to connect said synchronizing magnet to said circuit to receive a synchronizing signal, means controlled by said synchronizing magnet for disconnecting said drive from said source of motive power and said scanner in the event the scanner is not in synchronism with the received signals.

11. In a facsimile receiver, a picture signal re-' sponsive magnet having a pair of opposed pole faces, a scanner, one portion of which extends between said pole faces, said scanner being DIV? otally supported for movement in one direction under control of said picture signal responsive magnet in accordance with received picture signals and being pivotally supported for movement in a direction at right angles to said first direc-.

tion, a source of motive power, a positive drive from said source of power to said scanner for oscillating said scanner in said direction at right angles to said first direction, an electrical circuit, a switch for connecting said circuit to said picture signal responsive magnet to receive picture signals, a synchronizing magnet, a rotating cam for periodically operating said switch to connect said synchronizing magnet to said circuit to receive a synchronizing signal, and means controlled from said synchronizing magnet for dis connecting the positive drive from said source I of power in the event thescanner is not in synchr with the received 12. In a facsimile receiver, a picture signal responsive magnet having a pair oi oppom pole iaces, a scanner, one portion of which extends between said pole faces, said scanner being pivo'tally supported for movement in one direction under control of said picture signal responsive magnet in accordance with received picture signals and being pivotally supported for movement in a direction at right angles to said first direction, a source of motive power, a recording sheet in operative relation with said scanner. a feeder for said sheet, a positive drive from said source of power to said scanner comprising a cam and a pawl and ratchet connection from said source of power to said cam for oscillating said scanner in said direction at right angles to said first direction, a reciprocating arm for operating said feeder, and a member driven by said source of reciprocating said arm once for each scanning cycle to feed said sheet to successive lines.

.WILIJAM G. K. FINCH.

power when said pawl engages said ratchet for 

